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30 Jul, 2014
UDM proposed meeting between you and the leaders of political parties in parliament
Mr MC Ramaphosa Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa Leader of Government Business in Parliament Tuynhuys Private Bag X1000 Cape Town 8000 Dear Mr Deputy President PROPOSED MEETING BETWEEN YOU AND THE LEADERS OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN PARLIAMENT The above matter has reference. On behalf of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) I congratulate you on your appointment as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, as well as the leader of government business in national parliament. We are pleased to have someone of your calibre, who is widely respected as a skilful and formidable negotiator, who in 1991 as head of the Codesa negotiation team of the African National Congress (ANC), gave substance to our aim to build the South Africa we all want. Your institutional memory will certainly contribute immensely to remind us of the kind of democracy we all want and strive for. Whilst we agree that over the past twenty years significant progress has been made, we note with concern the stagnation and/or lack of proper leadership on important matters, some of which I cite hereunder. Matters pertaining to our democracy and the role of political parties 1. Regular meetings of political leaders In the past, South Africa had a dispensation where multi-party democracy was fostered through communication between government and political parties at a national level. It made for a situation where transparency and confidence were promoted – in other words there had been greater mutual trust between the cogs of the wheel that moved our country forward. As a particular hallmark of the terms of office of former Presidents Mandela and Mbeki this was done through regular meetings between the presidency and political parties. We therefore strongly recommend that regular meetings should take place between the leaders of all political parties in parliament and the presidency to discuss matters of national importance. 2. Review of the legislation governing political party funding Delays in resolving this matter has resulted in court action by a civic movement inviting political parties to show cause as to why new legislation, that govern the funding of political parties, cannot be introduced. Whoever will represent parliament in court will have to obtain a mandate from all political parties and not just one. There will be a need for the political parties represented in parliament to coordinate their replies to the court papers to avoid confusion and to do everything possible to avoid the wasteful expenditure of public funds. Regarding this matter, one is reminded that some political parties, like the UDM, have a congress resolution. We are further reminded that your party took its own resolution regarding the matter at the ANC’s 52nd conference held in Polokwane in December 2007. Both parties have endorsed the need to have this legislation reviewed so as to make it impossible for big business or individuals to buy political clout and/or source government contracts. It should therefore be easy to resolve the matter to avoid legal action and save money. 3. The allocation of debate time in the house The so-called “proportional” allocation of debate time in the house is sometimes difficult to explain. For instance, a “one member party” is allocated three minutes, which is the same that is allocated to a “four member party”. At face value, this time allocation favours the majority and the official opposition. This requires proper regulation in order to ensure robust and healthy discussions that give a voice to the entire electorate. The UDM outright rejects the current argument of the ANC whips that opposition parties depend on the ANC for debate time and/or that they are using ANC time. It cannot be that political parties take instruction from the ruling party. There should be clear standing regulations and presiding officers should have a formula to guide this proportional allocation of time to ensure that all parties are given enough time to make quality contributions to debates. The UDM strongly argues for a minimum of five minutes for a “one member party” and more proportionally allocated time to those parties that have more members, in order to represent their constituencies effectively. Issues affecting the citizenry and the country 4. Blurring the line between party and state This is a matter of serious concern that finds more expression during electioneering where it is difficult to differentiate between state and party functions. These past elections have shown again how easy it is to use state resources to thinly veil election campaigns. You will agree that we need to give this key issue the urgent attention it deserves in order to stop the misuse of state resources. 5. Civil disobedience and violent protest We find this last matter on our list the source of greatest worry. In far too many instances, and increasingly so, public protests in South Africa are characterised by violent lawlessness and a crippling culture of anger which results in the destruction of private and public assets. We must straightaway address the frustration of our people where they feel there is no other way of communicating with government and arrest the few malicious criminals who exploit this situation and incite lawlessness. In conclusion, the UDM proposes that you convene an urgent meeting with all leaders of political parties in parliament to discuss, amongst others, the items we have raised above. Other parties may however have additional items that they would like to place on the agenda. Should this proposal find your favour, we ask that your office organise and facilitate such regular meetings, and that it consults with other parties to ascertain which other matters they may want to discuss We await your kind response. Yours sincerely Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
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29 Jul, 2014
Nelson Mandela Day – address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the National Assembly
Madam Speaker, Deputy President and Honourable Members President Nelson Mandela’s election and inauguration in 1994 marked the end of many years oppression and caused South Africans of all races to fill the streets, all celebrating our victory in the fight for the self-evident right to determine our own destiny. Some shouted from their rooftops lines from SEK Mqhayi’s poem, Ukutshona kukaMendi, the SS Mendi steamship, which sank in 1917 killing all the troops on board. These lines have over the years been used to describe not only the bravery of the men, who died in this tragic incident, but to also explain a course of events that has been predetermined by fate. Mqhayi says, and I quote: “Sibona kamhlophe sithi bekumele, Sithethe engqondweni sithi bekufanele, Xa bekungenjalo bekungasayi kulunga, Ngoko ke Sotase kwaqala ukulunga.” End quote. Speaker, We did this precisely because Madiba was a man of courage, who refused to withdraw when difficulties ensued. He fought gallantly to deliver freedom and justice for all. During his term in office, Madiba meticulously stitched together a people as diverse as our country’s scenery into a Rainbow nation. We must however admit that race relations have regressed since the Madiba days. Anger, resentment and racism sometimes belie the seemingly well-adjusted Rainbow Nation. We therefore have to work hard to build a cohesive Nation that works towards the well-being of all the people. Speaker, Madiba did not only leave us a legacy of peace, forgiveness and justice, but he also left us one of the best Constitutions in the world, which is fortified by a number of institutions that support our constitutional democracy. While talking about democratic institutions, Honourable Members, our conduct in this House over the past few weeks has left much to be desired. It has chipped away at the foundation of Parliament and the very same very same Madiba legacy we seek to uphold and preserve. I submit that nations around the world use Parliament as a dipstick through which to measure the quality of a nation’s discourse, as well as the quality and the maturity of its leaders. Considering how badly we been behaving in this House, we should not complain when people mistake Parliament for a gathering of gangsters and hooligans. We must maintain the decorum of the House and treat each other with respect at all times. In honour of Madiba, we have to use this House to fight poverty, unemployment and inequality and to build a just and better South Africa for all. Fellow Compatriots, In conclusion, in his parliamentary farewell speech to Madiba in 1999, former President Mbeki said the following words, which still ring true today, because Madiba is with us in spirit and I quote: “We have you, Madiba, as our nearest and brightest star to guide us on our way. We will not get lost.” End quote. Thank you.
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24 Jul, 2014
Eastern Cape: Budget vote Provincial Treasury
Speech by Mr Mhlati, leader of the UDM in the Eastern Cape Legislature Honourable Speaker, Honourable Premier and Executive, Honourable Members and government officials I would like to express a word of appreciation to the former MEC for Finance and Treasury for the wonderful work he did during his tenure to uplift the standard of performance by Treasury as stipulated in Section 18 of the Public Finance Management Act. Treasury has succeeded in assisting the various Departments to manage the financial resources of the Province in full compliance of the provisions of the PFMA and Treasury Regulations. If the Department was a plane I would say the pilot can just put it on auto flight because it can now cruise on its own without manual assistance. The only outstanding matter which I would like treasury to take up with the office of the premier up to Pretoria is the upgrading of the salary scales of the internal auditors so that they can be attracted to work for the government. The endeavours made by treasury to assist the municipalities in their financial management issues as required by the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act is being hampered by the failure of the Municipalities to appoint personnel with the requisite skills and qualifications for the positions as required in terms of the provisions of the Municipal Systems Act. It is high time that the Honourable MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs working together with the Premier of the province should address the political instability in Municipalities which have a negative effect on the performance of the Municipalities. Even if we can work together without changing the working environment in Municipalities we will never move South Africa forward. They are the centres for service delivery to our people. Treasury had canvassed us to encourage civil servants to take early pension before we do that he must show us the commitment that people who exit the civil service are paid their exit benefits within a month of leaving the service. Some people have died waiting for the payment of their benefits. In every budget funds for the payment of these benefits should be ring-fenced in each Department as most of the people who are going on retirement are well known within the Department. A word of appreciation also goes to the chairperson of this committee for inviting all chairpersons to be present at the meeting of the Committee when dealing with transversal matters. I think that the exposure has opened the minds of the Honourable Members on how the funds of the Province are handled. However, there appears to be a need for a workshop to be conducted among the members on how the budget of the Province is being crafted up to the last stage to avoid unplanned requests for increases towards the end of the process. The UDM fully supports the report of the Committee and its recommendations. I thank you
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24 Jul, 2014
Multi-Party Forum’s comment on appeal lodged by IEC Chairperson Pansy Tlakula
Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP – UDM President and Chairperson of the Multi-Party Forum We confirm that we yesterday received court papers as submitted with the Constitutional Court by the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Advocate Pansy Tlakula. We have filed our answering papers. The political parties that are part of this action will be guided by the Constitutional Court and we hope that the matter will reach conclusion as soon as possible. In the meantime, we call on the Electoral Commission to deal decisively with the other recommendations of the Public Protector, amongst others that: • the disciplinary processes be started against all staff members who were fingered in Advocated Madonsela’s report; • the lease agreement, found dubious by no less than three independent and credible institutions, be cancelled. The Commission’s indecisiveness, regarding the implementation of the Public Protector’s findings and recommendation, make us doubt their commitment to the promotion of the ethics of good governance. The excuse advanced in the past about waiting for legal opinion must not be used to kick to touch
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23 Jul, 2014
Eastern Cape Health budget
Address by Mr M Mhlati in the Eastern Cape Legislature Honourable Speaker, Honourable Premier and members of the executive and Honourable Members the report of the Committee of the budget of the department of health of which I am part of is fully exhaustive of the issues canvassed with the Department and I fully support findings and recommendations thereof. I would like to implore the department to plan and negotiate timeously with treasury for the absorption of the student nurses into the vacant positions once they complete their training. We have been complaining as Eastern Cape about the shortage of nurses but when we train them we fail to appoint them thus allowing them to seek work in other Provinces who are committed to address the shortages in the nursing profession. The non-filling of senior management positions in the Supply Chain Management Unit is unacceptable as this opens a gap for fraud and corruption to manifest itself unchecked. With regard to the matter of de-complexing it is clear that the resolutions of this Legislature are not taken seriously by the department. This Legislature resolved during the year 2012 on de-complexing but even today, they are still dragging their feet on this matter. We want clear time frames now. The strides made by the department in addressing the accruals is greatly appreciated, treasury must show consistency in what they are promoting. They request Departments to encourage officers to take early pension but on the other side they do not provide funds to Departments to pay out exit benefits. It is scandalous for people who have spent their lives working for government but when they leave they are reduced into beggars. We still have a long way to go to reach the desired level of health care service we aspire for due to the shortage of the Professional Personnel. Even though the envisaged decentralization of powers is supported I would like to warn the Department to take precautions of ensuring that the officers delegated the duties have the necessary capacity to perform the functions. The Accounting Officer should bear in mind the provisions of Section 44(2)(d) of the PFMA which states that, “ a delegation does not divest the accounting officer of the responsibility concerning the exercise of the delegated power or the performance of the assigned duty.” The budget is supported by the UDM I thank you
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23 Jul, 2014
Budget Vote 33 – Rural Development and Land Reform
Address by Mr ML Filtane, UDM Member of Parliament, in the National Assembly – Vote 33 Rural Development and Land Reform Honourable Chairperson Minister and Deputy Minister Honourable Members • Rural revitalisation and intervention in its economy is a priority matter as many rural areas remain in crisis with regard to resources and service delivery whilst the majority of people live in abject poverty after 20 years of democracy. • One major flaw of economic policy in the last 20 years has been the failure to bring infrastructure in rural areas on par with that in the cities without urbanising rural settlement. The socio economic consequences of this flaw are what we continue to witnesses; chronic housing shortages, millions forced to live in shacks and many other social ills. • The Untied Democratic Movement (UDM) supports aggressive and radical intervention in rural development, which will ensure that this matter does not become a political football. • The post settlement land programme is not producing the desired effect. • Questions raised by the public during public hearings on legislation are still outstanding and we are not clear as to when will the department submit its responses. • The department shares a vision – “to create vibrant equitable and sustainable rural communities and food security for all” with the department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. However, the latest statistics on food security reflect that over 11 % or 5.6 million South Africans still live in abject poverty, with no food security at all. What does the department propose to do to improve this situation? • That the door has been opened for more land claims to be submitted, whilst the department is currently behind with the settlement of already validated claims, leaves one wondering how and when these new ones will be accommodated. The Annual Performance Plan of the Department for the financial season 2014/15, targets to finalise 239 claims out of 983 outstanding and yet it is quite on how and when the 744 is going to be finalised. The fact that the department has reported staff shortage and limited budged, the question remains – will this just be a populist statement or are there some pragmatic plans to address this apparent problem? • The outstanding claim by the people of Baziya in the Eastern Cape leaves bitter taste in their months even to this hour. We invite the department to supply sufficient account of this prolonged delay. • Land reform – my biggest concern here is that, there is no statistical report on the socio economic achievements over the previous term and yet funds continue to flow to this function. • There is an urgent need for management to eliminate the inconsistencies between the department’s Annual Performance Plan and its own targets as well as to adhere to the prescribed reporting periods. • The department’s model for economic development is not comprehensive enough hence it is lacking in sustainability, some critical basic elements are missing from the equation. • Land acquisition by foreigners needs to be capped at a certain percentage of our land. Even so, we need to look at the value-adding factors which the acquirer will bring to the country’s broader objectives like; long term employment, skills development and provision of food security. • The UDM notes with concern the huge transfers of public funds to the Ingonyama Trust and we hope the Department will report on this matter. The UDM supports budget vote 33. Thank you
Admin
23 Jul, 2014
Budget Vote 16 – Health
Address BY Ms CN Majeke, UDM Member of Parliament in the National Assembly on Budget Vote 16 – Health (MTEF) Honourable Chairperson Minister and Deputy Minister Honourable Members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) commits to protecting and promoting the Constitutional right of all South Africans to basic health care, and providing proper and immediate responses to the major health risks facing the country. In re-engineering the primary health care, the department must priorities access and quality of this service as it continues to disadvantage poor South Africans. In this regard, we reiterate our position, that health care has to be linked to other social cluster portfolios, further recognising the role social welfare, water, sanitation, basic life skills and awareness to improve the basic health of the nation. The current quality of health facilities and their maintenance especially in hospital in the rural areas is not in good standard. Hygiene at many clinics and hospitals in the Eastern Cape needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. UDM believes that jobs creation can be achieved through infrastructure maintenance and development whilst providing quality health facilities. Provision and stocking of medicines at many clinics and hospitals still fall short of the basic requirement. Distances travelled by communities to access these facilities remain a challenge. Staffing for primary health care facilities must be qualified, trained and available at all times to give quality service to all South Africans. In some state hospitals, access to a doctor is almost impossible; this is the case in the Eastern Cape, at Esulenkama Hospital in Mhlontlo municipality. It should not be a privilege for rural people to be serviced by a qualified doctor. We believe that diseases such as TB, cholera and malaria are preventable and can be treated; however, unless and until we link health with other socio economic factors, we will not be able to provide a sustainable service to the nation. Additional hospitals to rural communities need to be prioritised to address the congestion that is always found in the health facilities. The UDM supports vote 16. Thank you
Admin
23 Jul, 2014
Budget Vote 22 : Defence and Military Veterans
Address by Mr BH Holomisa, MP (UDM President) on Budget Vote 22: Defence and Military Veterans on 23 July 2014 in the National Assembly Chairperson Honourable Minister and Deputy Minister Honourable Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote 22. The department is one of the fortunate to have retained its Minister after 2014 elections therefore promising continuity of strategy and direction. As a member of the Defence Service Commission, I concur with defence force programme and plans as announced by the Minister today. Whilst appreciating minister’s input, however, as a country we need to look at some of the mandates given to us especially peace keeping related tasks. South Africa must always consider these tasks against its own safety, the safety of the troops deployed and its people. Conditions of service and equipment of the South African National Defence Force has not yet reached the expected standards and levels, much still need to be done. This situation is further exacerbated by a bloated bureaucracy and lack of professionalism within the defence force. Whilst the concept of civilian oversight, we all endorse, this house need to evaluate as to what extent is the approach affecting the capacity of the defence force in discharging its Constitutional mandate. The defence is an instruction based institution underpinned by key fundamental principles of high level discipline, speed and control. President Zuma, in 2010 appointed an Interim Force Service Commission to look at the challenges confronting the defence force at the time, as we all know the findings of the commission are well documented. The frustrating part is the slow pace in implementing the recommendations of the commission. It becomes more frustrating learning that some allocated budgets are under-utilised and returned to the fiscus. The United Democratic Movement recommends that this house, reconsider returning the Accounting Officer’s powers back to the Commander of the Defence Force and retain the civilian oversight in the Minister’s office. Such a bold step shall drastically increase the speed at which the conditions of service of our Defence Force are improved. It will further reduce the amount of bureaucratic red tape. Thank you
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